Texas realtor George Huntoon has developed a unique approach to removing squatters from properties, which has gained him attention and landed him a seat at a Senate hearing in Austin. Since 2020, he has handled several squatter situations, starting with helping a friend remove squatters from her property, which he documented on his YouTube channel. His unconventional approach involves putting himself in the position of a negotiator with squatters, rather than approaching them with hostility.
One of the most challenging squatter situations Huntoon dealt with involved a house in west Houston that was taken over by squatters after the elderly owner moved to a nursing home. He engaged with the squatters compassionately, building trust slowly over a two- to three-month period. By creating a cover story and planting seeds that the police were onto the property, Huntoon successfully convinced the squatters to vacate the property, with some eventually being arrested. He emphasizes the importance of interacting directly with squatters while simultaneously going through the legal process to have them removed.
Huntoon’s approach to squatter removal has gained traction since he first posted about it in May 2022, with others reaching out to him for help with similar situations. He advises homeowners to be proactive in protecting their properties from squatters, recommending measures such as installing security cameras and alarm systems, befriending neighbors who can keep an eye on the property, and being vigilant about monitoring for any unauthorized occupants. He notes that the prevalence of squatter issues can often be attributed to homeowners not knowing their neighbors or being absent from their properties for extended periods.
While Huntoon acknowledges that there are professional squatters who exploit the system, he also recognizes that some homeless individuals may be looking for shelter. He stresses the importance of finding a balance between being humane and protecting one’s property in these situations. Additionally, he highlights the need for legislation to make the process of dealing with squatters easier for homeowners, noting that Texas appears to be taking steps in this direction. By sharing his experiences and insights, Huntoon hopes to empower homeowners to take a proactive approach to prevent and address squatter issues effectively.
As squatter problems continue to plague communities across the country, Huntoon’s success stories offer valuable lessons and strategies for homeowners facing similar challenges. By engaging directly with squatters, leveraging psychological tactics, and following through with legal processes, he has been able to effectively remove squatters from properties while minimizing potential confrontations. His emphasis on building trust, maintaining communication, and taking a humane approach underscores the importance of compassion and understanding in resolving complex issues related to property occupancy. As legislation evolves to address squatter concerns, homeowners can take proactive steps to protect their properties and prevent unauthorized occupation.
